UC Outlasts Elizabeth In Watchung Battle

Where does one begin to describe a Watchung Conference tilt between #7 Union Catholic and #8 Elizabeth that delivers all the goods? Are there words to match the game of cat and mouse that two of the top teams in the state and their well respected coaches put on for the fans? We'll try to find them.

The game started with a flash as Elizabeth shot out to an early 8-0 lead behind a set of baskets from sensational sophomore Jayden Johnson and Cam McRae. AJ Altobelli broke the ice for UC—more on him later—and the Vikings began to claw their way back into the game, finishing the quarter within striking distance at 18-13, but it was Johnson with the big shot to end the first with a corner triple.

UC battled its way through the second quarter to take a lead at the turn after 6’11” senior Yaw Ansong got a bucket and foul, going ahead 23-21. UC held the slimmest of margins at the break as the teams traded baskets to end the half, carrying a 30-28 lead into the locker room.

Cam McRae set Elizabeth off to start the third quarter and after Luis Cuero layup, the game was tied at 36. UC began to swing the pendulum late in the third quarter. FK Muntari finished strong at the rim, was matched by Johnson to see the game tied at 40, but ran off the final four points of the quarter after a Muntari dunk and a Moore layup to beat the buzzer, leading 44-40 going to the fourth.

UC came out with two more baskets to go ahead 48-40, then clamped down the defense. Elizabeth prodded and threatened, getting as close as 52-50 after a Johnson three with 2:21 left. Altobelli and Whitaker finished the game off on the foul line, giving UC a 56-50 victory in an instant classic.

Returning to Altobelli---Union Catholic had its share of flashy moments tonight—Blocked shots, big finishes by Muntari and Moore, a weaving Luke Schorr layup that was a big blow to Elizabeth---but it was Altobelli who  drove the bus on this victory. To borrow a line from the late ESPN commentator Stuart Scott, Altobelli was “As cool as the other side of the pillow.” His ballhandling against pressure was on point, his distribution and facilitation in the halfcourt was nearly perfect for most of the game and when it was all over, he finished the game with 18 points.

UC gets no rest as they tangle #3 Plainfield on the road Thursday evening. GSBR will provide coverage as it's Union County Game Of The Week, powered by Wheelie Good Pierogi.

The storyline: Can Yaw Ansong and FK Muntari slow down 6’10” NaJai Hines, who may be the best big man in New Jersey?

Elizabeth gets a break until Sunday when they take on Plainfield in the Citizens Bank Scholarship showcase at Kean.